Who painted Still Life with Fruit and Game?

Still Life with Fruit and Game was painted by Unknown in 1650.

Where can I see Still Life with Fruit and Game?

Still Life with Fruit and Game is held by Statens Museum for Kunst.

Artwork

Still Life with Fruit and Game

Still Life with Fruit and Game is an unspecified painting by Unknown. It dates from 1650 and is held in the collection of the Statens Museum for Kunst.

About this work

Overview

Created around 1650, this still‑life composition presents a clustered arrangement of fruit, grapes, and game birds such as ducks and pheasants. The objects rest on what appears to be a table edge, spilling over a darkened backdrop that emphasizes their forms. The work is part of the collection of the Museum of Ethnography.

Subject & Meaning

The painting juxtaposes the abundance of ripe fruit with the hunted birds, a common motif that reflects themes of transience and the fleeting nature of material wealth. By placing edible produce alongside game, the artist invites contemplation of the cycle of life, harvest, and mortality.

Technique & Style

A pronounced chiaroscuro effect governs the scene, with stark contrasts between illuminated surfaces and deep shadows. Light catches the glossy skins of the fruit, the soft plumage of the birds, and the textured foliage, creating a convincing three‑dimensionality. The loose, informal grouping of items suggests a naturalistic approach typical of mid‑17th‑century still‑life painters.

History & Provenance

Attributed to the artist catalogued as 30367_person, the work has been documented as dating from the mid‑17th century. It entered the Museum of Ethnography’s holdings through acquisition records that trace its movement from private collections to the public institution, though precise ownership details prior to the museum remain sparse.

Context

During the 1650s, still‑life painting flourished in Northern Europe, often serving both decorative and didactic purposes. The inclusion of game alongside fruit aligns with contemporary Dutch and Flemish conventions, where such pairings symbolized prosperity while subtly reminding viewers of life's impermanence.